The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, referred to as the Purple Heart Museum, opened on November 10, 2006 to serve as a place to honor America’s nearly 2 million purple heart recipients. Three additional purple hearts were awarded at the museum’s grand opening. The purple heart is considered to be the nation’s oldest honor for performance in combat.
The Purple Heart Museum, located in Vails Gate, NY, is the first national museum specifically dedicated to those who have received the distinguished honor. According to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Purple Heart Museum is the sole repository dedicated to the “preservation of the stories of patriots killed in service or wounded in action.” The Springfield, VA-based non-profit organization represents more than 39,000 Purple Heart recipients.
The Purple Heart Museum includes a series of exhibits, historical photos, documentary footage, videotaped interviews with veterans and period objects showcasing the history of the Purple Heart. The museum also features an interactive computer program, referred to as the Roll of Honor, telling stories of each Purple Heart recipient. The 7,500 sq. ft. facility includes a gallery, education center, exhibit hall, presentation room and recreation area.
The site for the $6.2 million facility is located where General George Washington’s Continental Army had its final encampment in what is now Vails Gate. Events at the museum include film screenings recounting details of specific wars and battles the United States has been involved in over the years and programs for children explaining the meaning of the Purple Heart.
In 1782, George Washington created the precursor to the Purple Heart out of purple cloth and termed it the Badge of Merit to honor three Revolutionary War soldiers among his troops. The award was eventually discontinued and subsequently revived in 1932, the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth.
